Wall structure



Oct. 27, 1959 RQEDTER 2,909,917

WALL STRUCTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 1, 1954 INVENTOR. HENRY E.RODTR FAQ/8'7 4 A Tron/v5 vs Oct. 27, 1959 H. E. ROEDTER 2,909,917

WALL STRUCTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 1, 1954 INVEN TOR. HE/VkV 05075R A TTORNEYS United States Patent Q P WALL STRUCTURE Henry EdwardRoedter, Cincinnati, Ohio Application November 1, 1954, Serial No.465,802

7 Claims. (Cl. 72-50 The present invention relates to buildingconstruction, more particularly to a wall, roof and floor structurecomprising a series of interfitting metal members to form continuousclosed sections.

Various forms of building structure have been proposed in the past withthe intended purpose of decreasing the time of assembly and of reducingconstruction costs. The use of metal members in various shapes has beenconsistently suggested. However, invariably these building structuresnecessitate employing external fastening means in order to secure themembers to form the building structure. In addition, prior art metallicelements for building structures are so constructed that they occupyconsiderable storage space and require considerable time in assembling.Furthermore, the conventional metallic building structure is designedfor a specific use; that is to say, it is intended to be used as eithera wall, floor, partition, or roof structure. Consequently, each of thesebuilding structures is limited in use and thereby tends to increase orat least to maintain the present building costs.

As a result it is recognized that a need for a versatile metallicbuilding structure exists. The more uses to which such a buildingstructure could be adapted would, in turn, result in decreasing the costof building. In addition, an ideal building structure would have such aconstruction that it may be easily assembled upon the job site withoutthe necessity of resorting to special tools or skills.

The present invention discloses a building structure which eliminatesthe disadvantages and includes the desired characteristics as discussedabove. The building structure, as disclosed as this invention,essentially comprises metallic members which are interfitted with eachother in order to form a series of continuous closed sections. Themetallic members of this invention comprise a substantially V-shapedmember and an auxiliary plate member. The legs of the V-shaped membersare interfitted together and the auxiliary plates are then positionedbetween the V-shaped members. Each of these members may be modified inseveral difierent ways, each of which will be disclosed in detail in thedescription of the invention.

A structure formed, as disclosed in this invention, may

then be covered with any facing such as wood, concrete or any other ofthe numerous decorative panels on the market.

The building structure of this invention may also be employed as aninternal concrete form in order to erect a reinforced concrete wall.When it is desired to construct a concrete wall, this building structureis positioned in the location of the desired wall. The concrete is thenpoured within the closed sections of the building structure. Either orboth of'the outer surfaces of the structure may then be coated withconcrete or the like and the result is a concrete wall wherein thebuilding structure serves as both a form and as reinforcing.

Other uses of the building structure disclosed as this 1 several of theelements thereof shown in invention will be suggested from thedescription of the invention.

It is therefore the principal object of this invention to provide animproved metallic wall, roof and floor structure.

It is another object of this invention to provide a wall, roof and floorstructure which may be easily assembled by interfitting metallicmembers.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a wall, roof andfloor structure upon which a suitable facing may be easily attached.

It is still an additional object of this invention to provide aninternal concrete form assembled from interfitting metallic members.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide an improvedinternal concrete form.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a lightweightand strong metallic wall, roof and floor structure which is readilyassembled on the job.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a strong wall,roof and floor structure which will enable the construction of abuilding without framing.

It is yet an additional object of this invention to provide an improvedreinforced concrete wall.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a novel methodof erecting a concrete wall.

it is yet another object of this invention to provide a method offorming metallic members to be assembled into a building structure.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent uponreference to the following description when taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wall structure of this inventionwith a portion of the facing cut away in order to show the assembledmembers in detail;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a concrete wall formed by using thebuilding structure of this invention;

Figure 3 is an end view of the building structure of this inventionshowing the manner in which the various elements are interfitted;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a modified building structure;

Figure 5 is an end view of a portion of another modification of thebuilding structure of this invention with disassembled position;

Figure 6 is an end view of a metal plate which is formed into an elementof the building structure;

Figure 7 is an end view of the metal plate after the steps have beenmade thereon; V

Figure 8 is an end View of the V-shaped member of the building structurewhen it has been formed into its ultimate shape; and

Figure 9 is an end view of a invention.

Turning modified form of the now to the drawings, more particularly toFigure 1 wherein like reference symbols indicate the same partsthroughout the various views, 10 indicates generally the buildingstructure constructed in accordance with this invention. The buildingstructure 10 is shown being supported within a base member 11 which isin the form of a channel. suitable manner to the floor, as for example,by a suitable bolt or screw being inserted through an aperture 12;

The building structure 16 essentially comprises a number of V-shapedmembers 13 and auxiliary plates 14. Proceeding now to'Figure 3 theshapes of each of the members may be more readily seen. Y The V-shapedmember 13 has legs 15 and 16, which come together at the apex 17 atsubstantially aright angle 18. .Each of the legs 15 and 16 h a pair ofBase member 11 is secured in any 3 Z-shaped bends 19 and 20 therein. TheZ-shaped bend 19 comprises an outer abutment 21 having the shape of astep or offset and an inner abutment 22 similarly shaped.

Similarly, the Z-shaped bend 20 comprises an outer step' 23 and an innerstep 24. These Z-shaped bends 19 and 20 are substantially parallel andextend the entire length of the V-shaped members. The end of the leg 15is turned upwardly at substantially a right angle '25 to form anupturned wing 26. The 'end of the leg 16 is similarly bent upwardly atsubstantially a right angle 27 to form a wing 28.

Theauxiliary plate 14 comprises a channel-shaped member with a base or aweb portion 29, and sloping sides 30 and 31.

Each of the V-shaped members and the auxiliary plates are formed. of asuitable. lightweight metal such as aluminum, lightweight steel or thelike. The gauge of the metal from which the V-shaped members andauxiliary members are formed may be varied depending upon the weightwhich is to be supported by the building structure.

To assemble the V-shaped members and auxiliary plates to form abuildingstructure, it is pointed out that a series of V-shaped members '13 areinterfitted together by nesting the upturned portion of one leg memberinto the upturned leg portion of an adjacent member. The resultantstructure is an undulated surface with V-shaped undulations. As viewedin Figure 3 the undulated surface has apices 17 and troughs formed bythe right angles 25 and 27 of the upturned wings 26 and 28 whichever thecase may be.

An auxiliary plate 14 is then positioned in each one of the undulationsthus formed by inserting the edges of the sloping sides 30 and 31 intothe steps formed by the Z-shaped bends. It can be seen that in alternateundulations, the auxiliary plates will be received in the inner steps 24between the legs of a V-shaped member while in other alternateundulations the auxiliary plate will be received between the outer steps21 of adjacent V-shaped members. The assembly of the auxiliary plates 14will result in a series of continuous closed sections 32.

The auxiliary plates 14 are assembled into the undulated surface formedby the V-shaped members by sliding the plates endwise into therespective steps or by springing them into engagement. When light gaugemetals are employed to make these members, it may be then desirable tospring the auxiliary plates into position.

In some applications of this building structure it may be desirable tosecure the auxiliary plates against movement within the steps. Toachieve this result spaced notches may be formed in the steps andprojections may be crimped into the edges of the auxiliary plates toengage the notches. Also, dimples may be made in the steps after theauxiliary plates have been positioned.

In the event that the building structure, as illustrated in Figure 3, isto be used as a roof it is contemplated that the roof joints be solderedat the points 33 so as to prevent moisture from seeping through thestructure. However, when the building structure is to be used as a floorand no seal for moisture is required, it would only be necessary to tackweld the joints at 33 and 34 rather than to solder the joints. It ispointed out that the web portions 29 of the auxiliary plates 14- aresubstantially flush with the apices1'7 of the V-shaped members 13 andwith the troughs of the undulations formed by the nesting of theupturned legs of the V- shaped members. Suitable openings 35 may beprovided in the auxiliary plates 14- which may receive suitablefastening means in order to attach a facing 36 to the buildingstructure.

Proceeding to Figure 4 there is illustrated therein a 'modification ofthe building structure shown in Figure 3.

V-shaped membersare then nested in relation to each a 4 other bypositioning the unturned end of one V-shaped member into the upturnedleg portion of the adjacent V-shaped member. The auxiliary plates arereceived in the undulated surface in the same manner as described inconnection with Figure 3.

In Figure 5 there is illustrated still another modification of thebuilding structure disclosed in this invention. This modified buildingstructure similarly comprises a series of V-shaped members withauxiliary plates positioned therebetween.

The modified building structure illustrated in Figure 5 comprisesV-shaped members 37 and auxiliary'plates 38. The V-shaped members 37similarly consist of legs 39 and 40 which meet at an apex 41 atsubstantially a right angle 42. In addition, each of the legs 39 and 40has a pair of parallel Z-shaped bends therein 43 and 44 so that theZ-shaped bend 43 comprises an outer step 45 and an inner step 46. TheZ-shaped bend 44 similarly comprises an outer step 47 and an inner step48. However, in the V-shaped member 37 only the leg 39 has an upwardbend 49 thereon. It is noted that the upward bend 49 is relatively smallcompared to a leg of the V-shaped member and is made only high enough soas to receive an unbent end of a leg therein.

Referring to Figure 5 the auxiliary plates 38 comprise flat plate-likemetallic members.

In assembling the modification illustrated in Figure 5, the unbent legof one V-shaped member is nested within the upward bend 49 of anadjacent V-shaped member in order to form an undulated surface withV-shaped undulations. The nesting of the leg of one V-shaped member intothe upward bend of an adjacent member forms a trough 50.

In order to firmly secure the auxiliary plates 39 into their respectivesteps a cap plate 51 may be positioned over each one of the apices 41and the troughs 50. The cap plate 51 comprises a metallic strip which isbent along the center line at substantially a right angle in order toform two equal legs 52 and 53. Each one of the legs 52 and 53 isslightly bent inwardly at 54 and 55. The legs 52 and 53 are of such alength that the bends 54 and 55 engage the steps receiving the auxiliaryplates when the cap plate 51 is assembled in position. This relationshipis indicated at 56 in Figure 5.

Figures 6, 7. and 8 show the steps involved in the process of forming aV-shaped member employed in this invention. A flat sheet of metal 57 maybe stamped to form the Z-shaped bends 43 and 44, and the upward bend 49.The result is a metallic element 58 as illustrated in Figure 7. Themetallic element 58 is then bent along its center line 59 atsubstantially a right angle to form the V-shaped member 37 shown inFigure 8 and employed in the modification illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 9 shows a modification wherein the abutments are in the form ofgrooves 70 and are nearly rectangular to receive the ends of theresilient closing plates 72.

With the above description of the invention in mind, it is pointed outthat all of the parts comprising this building structure may be nestedfor storage and shipment and are rapidly and easily assembled at theplace of construction, thereby reducing building costs. By employingthis building structure, buildings may be erected without resorting toany additional framing. Relatively heavier gauge sheet may be employedin parts when the parts are to be utilized for the erecting of heavierstructures. It should be noted that no bolts, rivets or any otherattachment devices are necessary in the assembly of this buildingstructure.

As an additional feature, this building structure may be used as aninternal concrete form. Returning to Figure 2, there is illustratedtherein a concrete wall 60 which is erected by employing thebuildingstructure of this invention as an internal concrete form 61. There areopenings 62 in' the V-shapedrnembers so as to interconnect, adjacentclosed sections of the structure. Con- .5. sequently, when concrete 63is poured into the closed sections, these openings will allow theconcrete to flow through them so that after solidification of thevertical columns of concrete, these vertical columns will beinterconnected to form an integral concrete structure. If desired, theouter faces of the internal form 61 may be covered with layers ofconcrete 64 and 65 to obtain the appearance of a concrete wall. Theresulting structure is a concrete Wall wherein the building structurewhich was initially employed as an internal concrete form now becomes areinforcing member to impart considerable strength to the concrete wallthus formed.

It is pointed out that any other suitable filling material may be placedin the closed sections of the building structure of this invention. Forexample, suitable insulating material may be assembled in the closedsections when it is desired to use the building structure as a componentof a building.

Thus it can be seen that the present invention provides an easilyassembled and inexpensive building structure which may be adapted tovarious uses in the building industry. The components of the buildingstructure may be assembled without the need for any special tools orskills or fastening elements. In addition, this building structure maybe used as internal concrete forms to erect reinforced concrete walls.

It will be understood that this invention is susceptible to modificationin order to adapt it to different usages and conditions, and,accordingly, it is desired to comprehend such modifications within thisinvention as may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A wall, roof and floor structure comprising a plurality ofinterfitted similar substantially V-shaped members forming an undulatedsurface, each of said V-shaped members having an upturned wing on theouter end of each leg, the upturned wings on the legs of adjacentmembers being nested with the upturned wing of one member restingagainst the outer surface of the leg of the adjacent member.

2. A wall, roof and floor structure comprising a plurality ofinterfitted similar substantially V-shaped members forming an undulatedsurface, each of said V-shaped members having an upturned wing on theouter end of each leg, the upturned wings on the legs of adjacentmembers being nested with the upturned wing of one member restingagainst the outer surface of the leg of the adjacent member, and anauxiliary plate positioned in each undulation of the surface.

3. A wall, roof and floor structure comprising a plu rality ofinterfitted similar substantially V-shaped members forming an undulatedsurface, each of said V-shaped members having an upturned wing on theouter end of each leg, the upturned wings on the legs of adjacentmembers being nested with the upturned wing of one member restingagainst the outer surface of the leg of the adjacent member, abutmentmeans on the faces of each V-shaped member, and an auxiliary platehaving the edges thereof received in the corresponding abutment means ineach undulation.

4. A wall, roof and floor structure comprising a plurality ofinterfitted similar substantially V-shaped members forming an undulatedsurface, each of said V-shaped members having an upturned wing on theouter end of each leg, the upturned wings on the legs of adjacentmembers being nested with the upturned wing of one member restingagainst the outer surface of the leg of the adjacent member, abutmentmeans on the faces of each V-shaped member, an auxiliary plate havingthe edges thereof received in the corresponding abutment means in eachundulation, and a cap plate positioned upon the apex of each undulationwith the ends of the cap plates engaging said auxiliary plates to retainsaid auxiliary plates within the abutment means.

5. A wall, roof and floor structure comprising a plurality ofinterfitted similar substantially V-shaped members forming an undulatedsurface, each of said V-shaped members having an upturned wing on theouter end of each leg, the upturned wings on the legs of adjacentmembers being nested with the upturned wing of one member restingagainst the outer surface of the leg of the adjacent member, abutmentmeans on the faces of each V-shaped member, an auxiliary plate havingthe edges thereof received in the corresponding abutment means in eachundulation, and means on said V-shaped members to prevent slidingmovement of said auxiliary plates longitudinally of said abutment means.

6. A wall, roof and floor structure comprising a plurality ofinterfitted similar substantially V-shaped mem bers forming an undulatedsurface, each of said V-shaped members having an upturned wing on theouter end of each leg, the upturned wings on the legs of adjacentmembers being nested with the upturned wing of one member restingagainst the outer surface of the leg of the adjacent member, there beinga pair of parallel steps in each leg of the V-shaped members to formabutment means, an auxiliary plate received within the outer pair ofsteps of each undulation of the surface, each of said auxiliary platescomprising a channel member with sides sloping inwardly toward a web,the webs of said auxiliary plates being substantially flush with theapices of said V-shaped members, and means securing said auxiliaryplates within said steps.

7. A concrete wall structure comprising a plurality of interfittedsimilar substantially V-shaped members forming an undulated surface,each of said V-shaped members having an upturned wing on the outer endof each leg, the upturned wings on the legs of adjacent members beingnested with the upturned wing of one member resting against the outersurface of the leg of the adjacent member, and an auxiliary platepositioned in each undulation of the surface, said auxiliary platesforming with said V-shaped members, a series of closed sections,concrete in each of said closed sections, and a layer of concrete uponeach outer face of said undulated surface.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS596,010 Baude Dec. 21, 1897 876,134 Berg J an. 7, 1908 1,000,758 RudeAug. 15, 1911 1,013,591 Edwards Jan. 2, 1912 1,041,048 Edwards Oct. 15,1912 1,136,792 Goldsmith Apr. 20, 1915 1,679,947 Sanborn Aug. 7, 19281,831,427 Schroeder Nov. 10, 1931 2,090,483 Mendez Aug. 17, 19372,184,113 Calafati Dec. 19, 1939 2,235,883 John Mar. 25, 1941 2,312,994Weitzel Mar. 2, 1943 2,455,455 West Dec. 7, 1948 2,799,481 Becker July16, 1957

